Mastering Lateral Reading: Navigating Digital Information in the 21st Century

The Critical Skill of Lateral Reading in the Digital Age

In the fast-paced digital age, the ability to navigate and assess the vast ocean of information available online has become a critical skill. John Green, in a Crash Course episode titled Navigating Digital Information, emphasizes the importance of understanding the source and purpose behind the information we consume. This understanding is pivotal in determining the reliability of the content we encounter online.

The Birth of Information

Every piece of information is crafted by someone, for a specific purpose. Whether it's a tweet from a bot, a newspaper article, or an advertisement, there's a creator with motives behind it. Understanding these motives is the first step in assessing the credibility of digital content. For instance, advertisements aim to sell products, while newspapers aim to inform the public. However, these motives can sometimes overlap, blurring the lines between information and persuasion.

Unveiling the Source

Identifying the true source behind a piece of information can be challenging, especially online where 'catfishing' and anonymity prevail. A compelling example provided by Green is the Stop City-Funded Internet campaign, which initially appeared as a grassroots initiative but was later revealed to be funded by Fidelity Communications, a commercial internet provider. This revelation underscores the importance of digging deeper to uncover who is truly behind the information we come across.

The Strategy of Lateral Reading

Lateral reading involves leaving the original source of information and opening new tabs to verify and cross-check the information from different sources. This strategy is crucial in the digital age where misinformation can easily spread. For example, when encountering a website or organization for the first time, instead of taking the information at face value, one should seek additional sources to paint a fuller picture of the entity's motivations and credibility.

Tools for Lateral Reading

• Newspapers and Magazines: Traditional and digital news outlets can provide a wealth of information and context on current events and organizations.
• Fact-checking Websites: Platforms like Snopes.com and Politifact.com are invaluable for verifying the accuracy of claims and statements encountered online.
• Wikipedia: Despite common misconceptions about its reliability, Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for research, offering well-sourced overviews on a wide range of topics.

The Importance of Context

Understanding the context in which information is produced and shared is essential. Motivations behind content can greatly influence its presentation and interpretation. For instance, an article about internet regulation written by an organization affiliated with internet service providers will likely have a different angle than one written by an independent journalist.

Embracing Lateral Reading

Lateral reading may seem like extra effort, but it is a powerful tool against misinformation. By actively seeking out multiple sources and perspectives, we can better understand the content we consume and its context. This approach not only helps in identifying reliable information but also enhances our critical thinking skills, making us more informed citizens.

In conclusion, navigating digital information effectively requires more than just passive consumption. It demands active engagement, critical thinking, and the willingness to question and verify. By mastering the skill of lateral reading, we can better protect ourselves from misinformation and make more informed decisions in the digital age.

For more insights into navigating digital information and the importance of lateral reading, watch the full Crash Course episode here.